Scheduled MonumentsNorthern IrelandArdsChurch, graveyard, cross slab & souterrain
E.CHRIST. · ECCLESIASTICAL SITE

Church, graveyard, cross slab & souterrain

Ards, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 7295
Period
E.CHRIST.
Site type
ECCLESIASTICAL SITE
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR)

Overview

History & significance

Church, graveyard, cross slab and souterrain in Ards is an ecclesiastical site of medieval and possibly earlier origin. The complex comprises a church structure, associated burial ground, a carved cross slab typical of Early Christian or medieval grave markers, and a souterrain, an underground stone-built chamber characteristic of Iron Age and Early Medieval settlement in Ireland. The presence of both the souterrain and the ecclesiastical features suggests continuity of occupation or sanctity at this location across different periods. The site represents the layered religious and secular settlement history of the Ards peninsula in County Down.

Church, graveyard, cross slab & souterrain is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 7295. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Church, graveyard, cross slab & souterrain?

Church, graveyard, cross slab and souterrain in Ards is an ecclesiastical site of medieval and possibly earlier origin. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 7295.

What period does Church, graveyard, cross slab & souterrain date from?

Church, graveyard, cross slab & souterrain dates from the e.christ. period, and is classified as a ecclesiastical site. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Church, graveyard, cross slab & souterrain?

Church, graveyard, cross slab & souterrain is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Ni. The official designation reference is 7295.

What other scheduled monuments are near Church, graveyard, cross slab & souterrain?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Shankill. church (in ruins) & graveyard (1.5 km), Platform rath (4.1 km), The abbacy. manor house & bawn (5.2 km).

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